Pets in Greece are used to the heat but the extreme conditions we are experiencing during summer periods can be traumatic for them as well as us humans, therefore protecting pets during heatweaves is necessary. Here are some tips of how to keep them protected.
DOGS
Whether you take them for a walk down the street, a ride in the car, or just out in the yard to play, the heat can be hard on them. Here’s how to keep your furry best friend safe.
Never leave your dog in the car. No, not even if you think you’ll only be a few minutes. Even when it isn’t that hot outside, the temp can soar inside a closed car. On an 30-degree day, it can reach 40 C within 10 minutes. And that’s with a window cracked. After 30 minutes, it could be up to 50. Leave your dog at home, or go places where they can come with you.
Keep your house cool. If your dog is at home alone, make sure they can truly chill. Leave the air conditioner on, and close the drapes. If you don’t have AC, open the windows and turn on a fan. You may want to see if a cooling vest or mat can help.
Watch when you exercise. Limit when and how much you do when it’s hot and humid. Take walks in the cooler part of the day — the early morning and evening. And carry enough water for both of you.
Check the pavement. Before you head out for a walk, touch the pavement. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads. Walk on the grass and stay off the asphalt. You also might want to try booties for your dog so their paws don’t burn.
Offer plenty of water and shade. Don’t leave your pooch alone outside for long. And when they are there, make sure they have shade and lots of fresh, cool water. Add ice cubes when you can. Trees are better than doghouses for shade. They let air flow through. Doghouses can trap the heat and make it worse. Think about a kiddies pool or a sprinkler to help your pal cool off in the yard.
Make cool treats. Help your canine chill from the inside out. For puppy ice pops, make ice cubes with tasty treats inside. Or fill and freeze a chew toy to make a chilly snack.
Keep an eye on the humidity, too. When the air is full of moisture, your dog may not be able to pant enough to cool themselves off. That can raise their temperature, which can lead to heatstroke. Stay inside, and limit exercise, too.
Take care of at-risk dogs. Be watchful if you have a snub-nosed pet like a pug or bulldog. Their smaller airways make it harder for them to release heat when they pant. It’s also easy for old and overweight dogs, or those with heart and breathing problems, to get heatstroke.
Groom your pet. If your dog has long hair, get rid of any mats and tangles. It will help keep them cool. Don’t shave or clip their coat before you talk to your vet or groomer. The extra fur that keeps them warm in winter may also keep them cool in summer.
Visit your vet. Keep his shots up to date, especially in summer. The parvovirus spreads in hot weather. And your dog probably spends more time outside, which means it’s more likely they could come in contact with a critter that has rabies. Summer is high season for fleas, which spread many diseases, and mosquitoes, which carry heartworm. Get them on regular meds to prevent these pests.
Watch for signs of overheating. Your dog can’t tell you when they don’t feel well, so keep an eye out for so keep an eye out for heatstroke, which can have these symptoms:
- Heavy panting
- Heavy drooling
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dark or red gums and tongue
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Agitation
If you see any signs, get them to the vet right away.
CATS
Cats and hot weather don’t always go well together
During the summer months, cats are just as at risk of dehydration and heatstroke as the rest of us.
These are serious conditions that can lead to illness and even death. Here are some steps on how to cool a cat down and how to keep a cat cool in hot weather.
- Make sure your cat has plenty of water
It’s common sense but you should check your cat’s water bowl regularly and fill it up whenever it’s low. Cats can’t survive for long without it.
- Ensure there’s a shaded spot in your garden
If you have an outdoor cat and there are no naturally occurring shady spots in your garden, create one by placing some cloth or cardboard over an area to keep the sun out. Also, make sure you check outdoor buildings like sheds and greenhouses before shutting them as cats often get locked in accidentally overnight.
- Brush your cat daily
Matted hair traps heat so give them a daily groom if possible. This is especially important for long-haired cats.
- Keep them out of conservatories and greenhouses
These areas can get dangerously hot even when the weather just feels warm. Bear in mind that they both exclude cooling breezes and magnify the heat. Cats are also prone to getting accidentally trapped in conservatories and greenhouses.
- Use damp towels to cool down your cat
The warmest part of a cat’s body is their tummies, the pads of their paws, their armpits, under their chin and on the outside of their ears. Although most cats hate getting wet, try dampening a cloth with cold water and gently stroking your cat with it from their head and down their back.
- Keep your cat calm
A very active cat that is running around on a hot day will quickly become exhausted and dehydrated. Encourage your cat to relax when outside temperatures are soaring.
- Create a retreat
Cats are clever when it comes to comfort and they will seek out places such as the bath or sink as these often stay cool even when it’s hot outside. You could also try creating a cool and darkened indoor retreat for them to sleep in and feel safe. A top tip is to place a cardboard box on its side and position it somewhere cool and quiet in the house, such as behind a chair or on a cool surface like a marble floor. Line it with a breathable natural fabric such as a cotton towel.
- Keep outdoors cats indoors
If temperatures really soar, then it’s worth considering keeping your cat inside during the hottest hours of the day.
- Take care in the car
It’s less common for cats to travel in cars than dogs, but they are just as susceptible to the risks. If you are taking your cat to the vets, the cattery or a cat show, for example, never leave them in the car. Always make sure their carriers are secure, shaded and allow air to circulate. Solid plastic boxes with a secure wire mesh door are preferable.
- Encourage cool play
Ice cubes are a great way for cats to play and keep cool at the same time. Put a few on the floor so they can chase them as they scatter around the floor. Perhaps even consider flavouring the ice with a hint of chicken stock to encourage their interest.
- Close the curtains
Things that keep you cool will also benefit your cat — keeping curtains or blinds closed will keep the sun out.
- Watch out for signs of heat stroke
Although this generally only occurs on really hot days, it’s worth being aware of. Symptoms of heat stroke can include agitation, stretching out and breathing rapidly, extreme distress, skin hot to the touch, glazed eyes, vomiting and drooling. If you’re at all worried about your cat, contact your vet immediately.
- Circulate cool air
Open the windows turn on a box fan or keep air conditioning at a reasonable temperature. Your cat will appreciate having a cool place to relax indoors if it’s scorching outside.
- Cats and hot weather could mean sunburn
Don’t forget cats are susceptible to sunburn, particularly those with white ears and noses. This can lead to painful blistering and sores, and long-term exposure can lead to skin cancers. It is possible to buy pet sunscreen to apply to the hairless areas on the end of the ears and nose. It’s also advisable to keep white-faced cats indoors during the heat of the afternoon.